Stretchable, multi-layered gloves

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a glove made of an elastomeric central fabric in the palm area of the hand such that different portions of the glove attached to the central fabric stretch with the fabric, so as to provide a snug fit on the hand. Additional features of the exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/648,784 filed Feb. 1, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gloves and, more particularly, to stretchable gloves and a number improvements in their structural features to bring increased safety and comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gloves are used by mechanics, contractors, gardeners, warehouse workers, and anyone needing protection to keep one's' hands free from cuts and scratches, as well as warm and dry. However, by wearing gloves, one often loses tactile sensing and flexibility, causing the wearer to remove the gloves to perform more delicate tasks, such as picking up small objects (a nail, a bolt and/or a washer), or reaching for coins in one's pocket, or even dialing a cell phone. The typical gloves one wears for work are normally too bulky and stiff to provide the necessary tactile sensing to permit many common tasks, in addition to the few mentioned above. Prior to performing some tasks, it is common for a wearer to remove at least one glove (or both gloves), thus exposing the hands to the elements and/or possible chemicals and hazards in which the wearing of the glove was intended to protect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings discussed above by providing a glove made of an elastomeric central fabric in the palm area of the hand such that the different portions of the glove attached to the central fabric stretch with the fabric, so as to provide a snug fit on the hand. One advantage of this stretchable central fabric is that tactile sensing is improved due to the tension of the elastomeric central fabric. In addition, each of the embodiments contains additional features that overcome some long known problems associated with the wearing of gloves, particularly work gloves.

Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on a reading of the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, which is given below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a second exemplary embodiment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a third exemplary embodiment according to the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a fourth exemplary embodiment according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate perspective views of a glove according to a fifth exemplary embodiment according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, five exemplary embodiments of gloves according to the present invention shall be shown and described. It will be appreciated by the artisan that many of the features shown and described are not mutually exclusive to any one particular embodiment, and it is possible to provide a glove that has a structure including features from some or even all of the different embodiments. In addition, although the view only depict a glove for a left hand, it is clearly understood by an artisan that the structure of a glove for a right hand is a mirror image of the gloves shown and described herein below.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a first exemplary embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a front or palm side of the glove 100 and FIG. 1B shows a rear or back side of the glove.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a glove 100 has a plurality of fingers 102 a-102 e having respective fingertips 104 a-104 e constructed of a thermoplastic rubber. The thermoplastic rubber (TPR) fingertips 104 a-104 e provide an increase in tactile sensitivity. More particularly, the fingertips may be constructed of a urethane coated fabric. Slightly below the fingertips 104 a and 104 b are triple-seamed portions 106 arranged horizontally across each of the fingers approximately next to an area of the uppermost bending portion of a human finger. The triple-seamed portion permits a wearer to cut-off the top of the fingers of the glove without causing the fabric to unravel. Workmen sometimes cut off the fingers of their gloves to permit an optimum tactile sensitivity, and it is a known problem that once the gloves are cut across the fingers, the stitching starts to unravel, particularly when the gloves are subjected to scraping and scuffing during their use. However, in this embodiment of the present invention, the triple seam portions 106 allow a wearer to cut off the fingers off between the seams and allow at least one horizontal seam of the triple seam portions 106 to remain in tact.

Referring to FIG. 1A, stress reliefs 108 are arranged so as to correspond approximately to the finger joints on each of the fingers 102 a-102 e so as to permit ease in a wearer bending the finger portions of the glove. A plurality of stress reliefs 108 are preferably arranged in each of the fingers 102 a-102 e. FIG. 1A also shows that the thumb 102 a, index finger 102 b and the smallest finger (a.k.a. pinky) 102 e each have several additional reliefs 108, with the additional stress reliefs being arranged, for example, at the base of the finger, approximately next to a knuckle.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, the glove 100 has an elastomeric central base fabric 110 that is arranged as a series of channels 112 along the palm of a hand, wherein the channels generally follow the fold lines of the palm of the human hand. These channels 112 provide comfort by providing a tension on the fabric attached to the sides of the channels 112 of the elastomeric base fabric 110, thus providing a snugger overall fit. One particular channel 112 a, which is substantially oriented in a position toward the wrist, connects to the TPR molded pull 114 so as to maintain tension (and thus stretchability) from the base of the fingers down to the wrist, where a urethane cuff trim 116 is arranged at a lowest portion of the glove 100 to assist in providing a snug fit on the wrist. The portions of fabric on the palm between the channels can be made, for example, from a synthetic coated leather 118 that provides a tough gripping surface.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, another feature of the glove 100 is that at least one fingertip, such as index fingertip 104 b, may have a magnet 120 arranged on or within a portion of the fingertip 104 b to permit a mechanic/tradesman to be able to pick up and retain a nail, screw, bolt, washer, (not shown) etc., without having to grip the item. This magnetic feature provides an advantage because typically a wearer will remove one glove so as to be able to have the dexterity to grab and hold onto the metallic item, or attempt to hold the item by pinching it, for example, between the index finger and the thumb of the glove, which is often a cumbersome, and can be easily dropped. This feature also provides for reduced waste, as workman often reach for another nail or bolt out of their supply when one is dropped. In addition, there is a reduction in the possibility of injury to people passing by, for example, a construction site where there are workmen on raised scaffold that could drop nails/bolts. Also, this feature provides for a reduced possibility of injury to the wearer who does not expose his/her hands to the elements by removing the glove to hold a metallic item prior to hammering. In other words, the wearer is less likely to receive a hand injury if his hands remain covered at all times by the gloves.

In addition, it is noted that the material by which the fingertip is made can also be formed of a magnetizeable fiber or coating in lieu of a physical magnet arranged in or on a pocket in the fabric. The magnetic forces in the stitching of the finger of the glove will hold the metallic item on the fingertip 104 b, resulting in fewer items being dropped. FIG. 1A also shows that spandex forchettes 122 may be arranged along the side of the fingers in order to provide for a snug fit of the glove on the fingers 102 and for stress relief.

FIG. 1B shows a back side of the first embodiment of the glove 100 according to the present invention. It can be seen from this drawing that the fingertips 104 a provide protection on the back side of the fingers, as well as on the front side (shown in FIG. 1A). Coated synthetic leather 118, (also shown in FIG. 1A), is used to provide knuckle protection along the back of the hand at the base of the fingers. The back of the fingertips are also triple-seamed 106 to permit removal of the tops of the fingers without having the fabric unravel.

In addition, TPR scribing sliders 124 are arranged along the side of the index finger 104 b of the glove. The scribing sliders 124 assist with the grip of a pen or marker, providing the advantage that one does not have to remove the gloves to write.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, stretch mesh 126 is arranged on a back portion of the fingers and the lower portion of the back of the hand. Brow wipe 128 is preferably constructed of terry cloth to facilitate rubbing against one's forehead to remove perspiration without having to reach for tissues, etc. in one's pocket, which is often a difficult task while wearing gloves. Wrist fastener 130 is preferably made of TPR with a Velcro fastener 132, one side of which is arranged on the cuff 134. The cuff trim 116 extends around the lower portion of the cuff 134.

Typically, the stretchability of the gloves is approximately 10-700% (preferably 50-300%) but the amount of stretchability can vary so to be either more or less stretchable, depending in part on the specific elastomeric materials used.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of stretchable gloves according to the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C that correspond to elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred. In addition, elements illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C that do not correspond to the elements described above have been designated by odd-numbered reference numerals starting with reference numeral 211. The exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 2A-2C operates in the same manner and provides the same advantages as the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1A and 1B, unless otherwise stated.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the glove 200 has a TPR finger flap 211 that is foldable backward over the finger so as to expose the finger tip (shown in FIG. 2C). The finger flap 211 allows one, for example, to pick up a pen, dial a cell phone, push a particular button on a vending machine, etc. without having to remove the glove in its entirety from the hand. It is common for glove wearers to remove a glove to perform some or all of the activities mentioned herein above. Typically, while the end portion 213 of the finger flap 211 may drape over the front of the finger, it is possible that a material such as Velcro 215 can be arranged underneath the end portion 213 to secure the folded over fingertip to the front of the finger. Reinforcements 217 made of TPR help to keep the finger flap 211 from folding back from the front of the finger towards the back of the finger.

FIG. 2B shows the back side of the glove 200 shown in FIG. 2A. There are TPR finger protectors 219 that are arranged on the back of thumb 202 a and the backs of the other fingers 202 b-202 e, as well as on the knuckles. The TPR finger protectors 213 are arranged on top of a neoprene foam material 221, so to provide additional protection from injury to the backs of the fingers, the knuckles, and the back of the hand. Below the first group of TPR finger protectors 219, there is a strip of tough coated synthetic leather 218 on each of the fingers. A larger strip of coated synthetic leather 218 is arranged across a section of the back the hand to provide additional protection to the hand and knuckles. With regard to the arrangement of the coated synthetic leather, it is preferable that the synthetic leather 218 is attached on the neoprene foam layer 221 so as to provide an additional layer of protection.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a stretchable glove according to the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B that correspond to elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by two hundred. In addition, elements illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B that do not correspond to the elements described above have been designated by odd-numbered reference numerals starting with reference numeral 311. The exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 3A and 3B operates in the same manner and provides the same advantages as the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1A and 1B, unless otherwise stated.

The glove 300 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is particularly well-suited for a setting such as a garden, wherein there is a likelihood that one's hands will come in contact with water, mud, etc. Featured in this exemplary embodiment are a series of elastomeric traction surfaces 311 that assist with “wet gripping”, meaning that the items to be held are wet, or the gloves are already wet from, for example, garden use. In addition to the stress relief points 308 already provided, the glove 300 has a water resistant elastomeric base 313 for comfort. This base helps to keep the wearer's hands dry.

In addition, there is an elastomer coated synthetic leather 315 used to promote good grip capability and wear. At the bottom of the glove, there is a pull 319 that is used to put on or take off the glove 300.

With regard to FIG. 3B, the back side of the glove 300 is shown. The back of the glove is made of a stretchable material 326, such as neoprene, to provide cushioning to the hand. A series of molded finger protectors 321 are vertically oriented along the fingers 302 b-302 d for the purpose of absorbing impact that might otherwise injure the hand. The back of the glove has two distinct knits help to keep the hand dry. The back knit pad 323 provides an additional cushioning for a delicate portion of the back of the hand. The remainder of the material is the stretchable material 326 described above. Along the edges of the fingers 302 b-302 d, there can be forchettes (not shown) arranged to increase comfort. The forchettes may be constructed of spandex, Lycra or a similar stretchable material. The spandex material provides for the glove to fit snuggly in the finger area because it stretches, and also provides a source of stress relief. There is also a closing means, which in this case comprises a zipper 325 covered by a flap to permit the gloves to fit more securely and provide ease of use. Finally, item 327 shows a three-dimensional knit construction for protection, flexibility and venting.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment of stretchable gloves according to the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B that correspond to elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by three hundred. In addition, elements illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B that do not correspond to the elements described above have been designated by odd-numbered reference numerals starting with reference numeral 411. The exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 4A and 4B operates in the same manner and provides the same advantages as the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1A and 1B, unless otherwise stated.

The glove 400 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B has the elastomeric stretch base 410 made of spandex sateen for comfort. There is a double-needle stitch 411 arranged at all major flex points, with stress reliefs 408 arranged along the flex points. There is also an additional cuff trim 413 arranged above the cuff trim 416. The coated synthetic leather 418 and stretchability of the spandex base provide for a snug fitting glove.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the back of the glove is a combination of stretchable material 415, and the coated synthetic leather 418 is arranged across a portion of the back of the hand to provide additional cushioning to protect from injury.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a fifth exemplary embodiment of stretchable gloves according to the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B that correspond to elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by four hundred. In addition, elements illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B that do not correspond to the elements described above have been designated by odd-numbered reference numerals starting with reference numeral 511. The exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 5A and 5B operates in the same manner and provides the same advantages as the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 5A and 5B, unless otherwise stated.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the glove 500 has TPR pounding protection 511 along the side of the hand from which the smallest finger (a.k.a. “pinky”) extends. This feature permits one to bang against a surface with the side of one's hand and reduce the possibility of injury. The elastomeric base fabric 510 is preferably made of a chemically resistant material, so as to resist exposing the hand to petroleum based oils and other chemicals. Some or all of the fingertips have a gripping surface 513 arranged thereon to improve the tactile response of the fingertips. The fingertips themselves may be made of a urethane coated fabric, TPR, etc.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the back side of the glove 500 in FIG. 5A is shown. The TPR pounding protection can be seen in this view as well. There are TPR finger protectors 515 arranged on the backs of each of the fingers. The glove may also have a three-dimensional knit construction (shown in FIG. 3B) for protection and flexibility. A portion of coated synthetic leather 518 adds additional protection to the back of the hand. It is also possible that neoprene knuckle protection (not shown) can be arranged around the TPR finger protectors 515 and arranged over the area of the knuckles to provide additional safety.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claim(s). 

1. A glove, comprising a stretchable elastomeric base layer formed from a fabric; a plurality of finger sections attached to said base layer having a plurality of relief areas formed therein and having channels formed therebetween; a plurality of thermoplastic rubber fingertips secured to said finger sections; a triple-seam portion securing said plurality of finger sections to said base layer at a position proximal said thermoplastic rubber fingertips; a urethane cuff trim secured to said base layer; a magnet secured in at least one of said fingertips; a plurality of spandex fouchettes attached to said plurality of finger sections; coated synthetic leather secured to said base layer to cover a knuckled section of a human backhand; TPR scribing sliders arranged along sides of said finger sections; stretch mesh secured to said base layer at said backhand; and a brow wipe secured to said base layer at said backhand. 